The Opposition’s View: Millwall

The play-offs loom, but Villa have one more league game against Millwall on Sunday to see out before they get down to business.

Once again, I’ve asked University of Brighton student Adam Keiller (@Adamkeiller) about all things Millwall.

What do you think was the main reason for Millwall’s 17 game league unbeaten run which ended last month?

For me, the main reason for Millwall’s 17 game unbeaten was the introduction/return of Tim Cahill to the squad. Although he has had little to no impact on the pitch, his impact has come off the pitch and in the changing room. His presence alone has given the players and the fans a lift since his arrival. Millwall fans call it the ‘Cahill factor’. Cahill, along with manager Neil Harris, has given the players the belief that they can beat anyone in the league on their day.

Is a play-off place the goal for next season, or is it a year of consolidation in the Championship?

I’m sure that the manager and the players will look to get within a play-off spot next season, seeing how close we have come this campaign. But it won’t be a huge disappointment if we don’t. Looking at how we have performed this season, Millwall have an exciting future ahead of them in my opinion.

If you could, which past Lions player would you bring into the starting XI?

Although he was only with us on loan, I would have to say Harry Kane. You look how far he has come since being on loan to us, we would take him back any day.

Who has been Millwall’s standout performer this season?

There’s been many stand out players for us this season, but for me, and other Millwall fans will agree that Shaun Hutchinson has been the man for us this season. He is a fearless gladiator in that back four and has played an important part of our success this season. I just hope we can keep hold of him in the summer as I’m sure that Premier League will be looking at him.

How do you see the Championship season panning out in terms of promotions and relegations?

Last automatic place = I want it to be Fulham, but I reckon it’ll be Cardiff.

Playoff spots = Fulham, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby.

Playoff winners = Fulham

Tell us one thing we probably didn’t know about Millwall.

Between 1964 and 1967, Millwall set a record of going 59 consecutive home games without defeat. This record was then broken by Liverpool in 1978.

Score prediction for Sunday?

When it’s the final game of the season, you can never predict any result. But I think you will edge us out. 2-1 to Villa.